CarSim/MATLAB introductory simulation course
Online course of 300 hours in introductory CarSim/MATLAB simulation. 6 modules covering the CarSim and MATLAB environment, vehicle parameterisation, test manoeuvres, control in Simulink and results analysis, with an assigned technical tutor.
CarSim/MATLAB introductory simulation course — studying from New Zealand
New Zealand has a modest automotive industry, with most vehicle engineering centred on aftermarket parts, commercial vehicle body building, and the import and distribution of vehicles. Motorsport is a significant sector, with Hamilton and the Waikato region hosting a dense cluster of racing teams and engineering firms, and the Motorsport New Zealand body governing the national championships. Automotive engineers commonly work for importers, dealer networks, fleet operators and specialist fabrication businesses, and the sector also serves the country's large agricultural vehicle market.
Fees for New Zealand: NZ$1,470 (New Zealand dollar), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in New Zealand
Typical roles
Questions from New Zealand
Is automotive engineering a regulated title in New Zealand, and which bodies matter here?
The title Chartered Professional Engineer is regulated and administered by Engineering New Zealand, which sets competence standards for registration. Vehicle standards and certification in New Zealand are overseen by the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not accredited by a national body, so recognition by employers or Engineering New Zealand is not something SEIUM can promise.
What kinds of automotive and motorsport employers hire engineers in New Zealand?
New Zealand's automotive sector includes vehicle importers, workshops and fleet operators, motorsport teams and specialist fabrication and engineering firms, along with companies supplying parts and servicing. Roles often reward hands-on experience and clear technical reporting. A private qualification can support an application, but whether an employer values it is their decision and cannot be assumed.
How much time does a programme need, and can an employer help fund it?
Specialist courses take about 300 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and master's programmes 1,900 hours, all online in English with an assigned technical tutor and a final project. Fees are payable in instalments, and employer sponsorship is possible. Choose a pace you can sustain alongside work, and check with your employer early about any funding or study leave arrangements.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Use the CarSim environment and its integration with Simulink.
Parameterise a complete vehicle model from real data.
Run standardised vehicle dynamics manoeuvres.
Design basic chassis controllers in Simulink.
Analyse simulation results with MATLAB.
Compare set-ups through parametric sweeps.
Carry out a vehicle dynamics simulation study.
Who it's for
- Junior vehicle dynamics engineers.
- Simulation engineers.
- Chassis control engineers.
- Virtual testing technicians.
- Track engineers.
- Formula Student team members.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to join vehicle manufacturers.
What you'll work with
- ISO 8855:2011 (vehicle dynamics vocabulary)
- ISO 3888-1:2018 (double lane change)
- ISO 4138:2021 (steady-state circular driving)
- ISO 7401:2011 (lateral transient response)
- SAE J670 (vehicle dynamics terminology)
- ISO 7975:2019 (braking in a turn)
- ISO 26262 (functional safety)
- CarSim
- MATLAB
- Simulink
- Microsoft Excel
6 modules
1.1CarSim architecture: database and solver1.2Navigating the vehicle and procedure screens1.3Sample vehicle libraries1.4Output variables and plots1.5Animation viewer1.6Integration with Simulink via S-Function1.7Exchanging import and export variables1.8Integration time step and synchronisation1.9Dataset version management1.10Practical exercise: first simulation with a production vehicle
2.1Mass, inertia and centre of gravity position2.2Suspension: kinematics and compliance2.3Spring, damper and anti-roll bar curves2.4Steering: ratio and column stiffness2.5Tyre: tables and the Pacejka model2.6Powertrain: engine, gearbox and differential2.7Aerodynamics: coefficients and frontal area2.8Brakes: torque and brake balance2.9Obtaining parameters from measurements2.10Workshop: building a sporty compact car model
3.1Steady-state cornering3.2Understeer gradient3.3ISO 3888 double lane change3.4Step steer response3.5Sine with increasing amplitude3.6Braking in a straight line and in a corner3.7Split-mu acceleration3.8Driver controller and target path3.9Defining tracks and surfaces3.10Lab: comparing two anti-roll bar set-ups
4.1Speed control loop with PID4.2Simplified ABS model in Simulink4.3Basic traction control4.4Stability control through differential braking4.5Virtual sensors and measurement noise4.6Actuators and delays4.7Gain tuning and stability4.8Data logging for analysis4.9Good modelling practice in Simulink4.10Practical exercise: simplified ABS coupled to CarSim
5.1Data post-processing with MATLAB5.2Plots of lateral acceleration and sideslip angle5.3Stability and response diagrams5.4Manoeuvre performance indicators5.5Automated parametric sweeps5.6Exporting to spreadsheets and reports5.7Comparison with test data5.8Model limitations5.9Communicating conclusions5.10Case study: optimising brake balance
6.1Defining the vehicle and objective6.2Model parameterisation6.3Selecting manoeuvres6.4Integrating the controller in Simulink6.5Running the simulations6.6Results analysis6.7Proposed set-up or control strategy6.8Discussion of model validity6.9Report and presentation6.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so you can combine it with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is CarSim, MATLAB, Simulink and Microsoft Excel, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practice is based on real procedures: a double lane change manoeuvre, a comparison of suspension set-ups and an ABS prototype in Simulink coupled to the model. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final project.
Standards covered: ISO 8855:2011, ISO 3888-1:2018, ISO 4138:2021, ISO 7401:2011, SAE J670, ISO 7975:2019, ISO 26262.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification is required.
- An internet connection and a computer able to run the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours over 3 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with CarSim, MATLAB, Simulink and Microsoft Excel, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute certificate, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
No prior qualification is required; you need a computer able to run the programme software and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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